The present assessment of the influence of different
levels of compression on cardio-respiratory and
metabolic parameters during submaximal exercise
revealed, in general, no effects at any level. Since
compression appears to enhance blood flow in the
venous system, resulting in improved peripheral circulation
and venous return,3,4 it was reasonable to
expect that increasing compression during exercise
might lead to increasing stroke volume and cardiac
output. However, increasing pressure on the calves
achieved with compression socks had no effect on
any of the cardiac parameters examined here